The European Environment Agency (EEA) published its report on the state of Europe’s environment on 29 September 2025. The report, published every five years, provides the most comprehensive and cross-cutting assessment of environment, climate and sustainability in Europe. It reiterates that the greatest challenges for Europe’s environment are biodiversity loss and ecosystem degradation, as well as adapting to accelerating climate change, all of which are particularly acute challenges for mountain areas. 

More than 80% of protected habitats are in a poor or bad state, with unsustainable consumption and production patterns driving loss of wildlife. Mountain areas stand out as they experience temperature rises larger than the European average, decreases in glacier extent and volume, a decrease in mountain permafrost areas, the upward shift of plant and animal species, a high risk of species extinction, and an increasing risk of soil erosion. 

The EEA highlights the need to accelerate the decarbonisation of Europe’s energy system. Despite progress in reducing GHG emissions in certain areas, fossil fuels remain the dominant source of energy, making up around 70% of EU gross available energy use in 2023. The report highlights the role of rural areas in the energy transition, noting that 5.1% of EU land area is needed to maximise the potential of onshore wind and solar projects, mostly in rural areas. 

Beyond the clean energy transition, mountains are Europe’s water towers and play a key role in Europe’s resilience. The report highlights that water stress already affects one in three Europeans and will worsen as the climate changes. Currently, around 12% of the European population lives in flood-prone areas, while 11% of healthcare facilities and nearly 15% of industrial facilities in Europe are sited in such areas. To mitigate increasing climate and environmental risks, the EEA emphasises the need for implementation and enforcement of European Green Deal legislation and the responsible stewardship of natural resources. 

The European climate adaptation plan, expected in 2026, will be an opportunity to demonstrate the necessary ambition to act on accelerating climate change. Euromontana highlights the key role of mountain territories in climate adaptation and calls for the adoption of an ambitious European climate adaptation plan, which should consider the needs of the most affected territories of the Union.